DARA SHUKOH LIBRARY BUILDING

Ashwini’s involvement in overseeing and implementing the establishment of the Partition Museum  at the Dara Shukoh Library showcases her dedication to cultural preservation and historical heritage. Her multifaceted role in the project extended beyond the initial setup, encompassing various aspects of running the museum and ensuring its success.

As a hands-on contributor, Ashwini played a pivotal role in continuing the curatorial decisions already in place by the trustees and collaborating closely with all stakeholders. Her keen understanding of the importance of storytelling through artefacts and exhibits ensured that the museum continued its compelling and immersive experience for visitors.

It was a fulfilling experience to be part of the museum setup team. The curatorial team, comprised of Kishwar Desai, Mallika Ahluwalia, Shreyashi Bagchi, and Himanshi Saini, led the curation process, while Ashwini, in her role as Director, provided valuable inputs and suggestions and implemented several areas effectively including setting up the section on “Partition in the Mind of the Artist.”

As Director of the Partition Museum, Ashwini played a pivotal role in launching The Partition Museum Book Club alongside Dr. Rakshanda Jalil, an esteemed author, translator, and literary historian. This club aims to spotlight and highlight books related to the subject of the Partition of India, fostering greater understanding and dialogue about this significant historical event.

Beyond the physical aspects of the museum, Ashwini played a crucial role in developing outreach initiatives. She recognized the museum’s potential as a dynamic educational resource and worked towards creating programs that catered to diverse audiences, from students to the general public. This commitment to accessibility aimed to make the Dara Shukoh Library a hub for learning and cultural appreciation.

During her tenure as the Director of The Partition Museum, Ashwini had the unique opportunity to engage with an array of distinguished individuals from various fields. Working closely with Kishwar Desai, Chair of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT), Bindu Manchanda and Sunaina Anand Trustees of TAACHT, Ashwini engaged with numerous notable personalities including Dr. Swapna Liddle, an accomplished author and historian, whose insights and expertise on Delhi is much valued, Suman Bery, the Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog, India’s premier policy think tank. Representatives from the international diplomatic community, visited the museum such as the Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of the Philippines and the German Ambassador to India, HE Dr. Philipp Ackerman, Lord Meghnad Desai, a distinguished economist and former Labour politician in the UK, Ruchira Das, the Director of Arts India.

These interactions not only enriched the museum’s offerings but also facilitated meaningful dialogues on cultural heritage, history, and international collaboration.